❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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With the weeks that had passed for Tanjirou, he'd recovered well. It had been a shock to most, seeing him back to his usual cheery state. While Giyuu could see something was still lingering, he'd dared not push the matter. Having Tanjirou back to his usual state let some of the tension leave him. He'd honestly feared being unable to help his newfound friend and now; family. After everything they'd seen, Urokodaki had taken him in. He had planned to leave Tanjirou out of Demon Slaying for a time, but whenever training ensued, the youngest urged the other to join. While it was to keep his mind from the past and move on, Tanjirou also held his own motives. He was aware from talks with Urokodaki that once the three moved into Final Selection, seeing them would be impossible. They would be sent on missions and he'd simply have no one. In the end, Tanjirou won the argument. 

Another fact that had become relevant to most, was the concept Tanjirou was linked to Demon Slaying. How, no one knew for a fact. Tanjirou was adamant on refraining from sharing his biological father's name, the one he knew. The idea of the youngster being capable only aided in Urokodaki's choice to train him. 

"Hey Tanjirou, have you gone through everything he scavenged back then?" Tanjirou glanced up from the spot he sat, a slow shake of his head giving his answer. "How come?"

"I wasn't ready back then to see what remained. I'm better now, though. Want to look through them with me, Giyuu?" The Raven paused, knowing he was mid training. He was supposed to report to the location. But a request from Tanjirou was something he never passed. A moment to them. The smaller male, even with the shortest time of knowing Giyuu, had become the closest to the Raven.

"I can look for a bit. I am curious about some of the items." Tanjirou chuckled, rising as he turned toward the box he'd left sealed. His hands pulled it from the wall before lingering. His eyes moved slightly, hesitation present. Giyuu took note before placing a hand on Tanjirou's back. "It'll be alright. You're strong! Stronger than most with your past."

"Thanks Giyuu." the Raven smirked, leaning into Tanjirou.

"Now, come on. I'm excited to see some things from your life!" There was a brief silence before the smallest opened the container. Numerous items, though holding a lingering smell of smoke and ash, were in pristine condition. He peeled through the items, passing some to Giyuu to place elsewhere. At one point, he'd stumbled on a scarf. As he lifted it, he felt a smile drift. The soft blue material was gentle to the skin. Uncurling it, he heard something else hit the floor as his gaze drifted. 

If there was one thing he was aware of, it was Yoriichi. The qualities and attire were always distinct with his parent. So seeing those earrings only made his wounded heart slightly crumble. Placing the scarf to the side, he trailed his fingers along the material of the hanafuda earrings. 

"Tanjirou? What's wrong?" The maroon haired male frowned, picking up the earrings.

"These belonged to my Otousan... Something he valued and treasured." Giyuu froze up, sighing softly. He carefully reached over, planting his hands on Tanjirou's.

"If he cherished them, why not wear them in his memory? He'd want that, no doubt. For you to carry on with him in your memories." Tanjirou couldn't help but chuckle. "Here. Pass them to me and I'll help get them on." 

Tanjirou passed the hanafuda earrings, holding still as Giyuu positioned one of them. The slight pinch of a feeling caught Tanjirou off guard, but the pain left quickly. Once both were on, the smaller of the two shook his head, feeling the weight and movement. It drew a giggle. 

"They look good on you."

"Thanks again, Giyuu. You being here helped, it truly did." The Raven smiled, rising from the floor before flinching when a voice called out. 

"GIYUU? WHERE ARE YOU AT, YOU RASCAL!?" Tanjirou widened his gaze, looking elsewhere as Urokodaki entered the area. He noticed Giyuu, before spotting Tanjirou and the box of items. It brought a realization. 

"Hello Uro. I apologize for keeping Giyuu from his training." The older male was silent for a time, before he ultimately spoke up. 

"It's no problem. Glad to see you finally had the heart to view those items. I have one more thing to give, if you're free. As for you Giyuu, get outside with the others." Giyuu made no arguments as he dashed outside, leaving the two alone. Urokodaki sighed, shifting his mask briefly before bending toward the floorboard. One of the pieces was removed, the large plank revealing a box hidden beneath. The older male pulled the sealed case, repairing the hole as he motioned Tanjirou toward him. Slowly the youngster did as told.

"What's this?"

"It's one of the last things I found. It's how I knew your family had been connected to Demon Slaying, or even the idea." As he opened the box, Tanjirou felt his gaze widen. It was the sword Yoriichi had kept hung on the walls. It was a showcase, never something to be used. "This is a sword the Demon Slayer's use. The only weapon that can kill them. It belongs to you, especially after you already seek to go into the profession."

"I thought swords were made for each individual?" Urokodaki nodded, closing the box.

"That's true, but I can do a favor. Should you wish, I can have this melted down and re-forged to match you. The other option is simply keep it as an heirloom."

"I already have an heirloom... Breaking it down would not bother me. While it was my fathers, I'd like to have another thing to carry at my side. If the memory of it becomes my new weapon, that's even better. In a sense, he's here with me." The older male nodded, rising from the floor as he chuckled softly. His hand pressed to Tanjirou's head, gently. 

"I understand your view. I'll get it done by the time you head for Final Selection." 

"Wait! You mean...?" 

"I do. Head outside and join the others. I have to test what knowledge you have, but once the basics are complete, I'll catch you up to them." Tanjirou felt a large smile roll over his features, his body jumping up before he hugged Urokodaki. The older male kept silent, but returned the hug briefly before leaving. Tanjirou remained still, feeling his heart finally light a small flame. One of determination. He was not out for revenge, but to follow a path that felt right. His Father had been a Demon Slayer, so it felt right. Even with his half Demon qualities, he'd make his own path and forge a better future. One with his newfound friends and family.